The 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates alarming pollution levels in Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda, with Chad ranking the highest. PM2.5 levels in these countries are significantly above WHO guidelines, leading to severe health risks and elevated mortality rates. Ghana’s air pollution has notably increased, prompting urgent calls for improvement and intervention to safeguard public health and economic stability.
The recently published 2024 World Air Quality Report has unveiled grave pollution levels throughout Africa, with Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda ranking among the world’s most polluted nations. These findings spotlight an escalated air quality crisis that poses significant threats to millions of lives across the continent.
Chad has topped the global pollution chart, recording a staggering PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, almost 18 times above the World Health Organization’s annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Nigeria ranked 11th with 40.1 µg/m³ and Rwanda in 9th place with 40.8 µg/m³. Ghana follows closely in 14th place, with an alarming PM2.5 level of 35.8 µg/m³.
PM2.5 particles are particularly perilous, as they can penetrate both the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues. They are significantly smaller than dust particles and much thinner than human hair, rendering them almost invisible, yet exceedingly harmful.
Data from the University of Chicago indicates that air pollution reduces lifespans in severely affected areas by an average of 2.7 years. WHO estimates suggest that in Ghana alone, air pollution claims 28,000 lives annually. Globally, air pollution was responsible for around 8.1 million deaths in 2021, translating to roughly 22,192 deaths per day.
Ghana’s air quality crisis is particularly concerning, with pollution levels presently exceeding WHO’s safe limit by seven times. The capital city of Accra has been noted as the 16th most polluted capital globally, with a PM2.5 level of 36.3 µg/m³. However, Kumasi has emerged as the most polluted city in Ghana, with a level of 39.5 µg/m³ in a stark revelation from the report.
Over the past few years, Ghana has witnessed a significant increase in pollution levels, rising from 30.2 µg/m³ in 2022 (27th globally) to 35.8 µg/m³ in 2024 (14th globally). This troubling trend emphasizes the deteriorating air quality that afflicts millions daily.
The air quality in Africa remains dire, with the report indicating that five of the top ten most polluted countries globally are in Africa. Only 24 out of 54 African nations submitted air quality data due to insufficient monitoring infrastructure, and cities across Africa exhibit hazardous PM2.5 levels far exceeding WHO guidelines.
Air pollution is not merely an environmental concern for Ghana; it has escalated into a public health emergency. If current trends persist, it is projected that at least 2,333 individuals will succumb monthly due to the toxic air conditions. Moreover, the economic toll of air pollution in urban Ghana could reach an estimated $137.8 billion by 2040 without immediate and robust interventions.
In a contrasting global view, while 17% of cities worldwide adhere to WHO air pollution guidelines, several regions manage to sustain cleaner air quality. In 2024, only seven countries met these standards, and Nieuwoudtville, South Africa, was the sole African city to comply with WHO air quality criteria.
Factors driving the air pollution crisis in Africa include rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, population growth, and unregulated waste burning. The surge in industrial activity and improved data monitoring in cities such as Kinshasa, where PM2.5 levels increased by 40% from the previous year, highlight these challenges.
As Ghana’s air pollution crisis intensifies, there is an urgent call for government action. Suggested measures include strengthening vehicle emission regulations, increasing investment in renewable energy, expanding air quality monitoring frameworks, and enforcing strict anti-burning policies to mitigate emissions effectively. The urgency for intervention is pressing, as continued deterioration of air quality could lead to catastrophic outcomes for public health.
This article emphasizes the critical state of air quality in Ghana and several other African nations, which are experiencing alarming pollution levels. With Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana among the most polluted countries globally, immediate action is required to address this public health emergency. The rising PM2.5 levels signal a need for robust governmental policies to avert further escalation. Without urgent intervention, the repercussions on public health and economic stability could be devastating.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
